SEED participants attending Lenoir Community College, left to right, front row, are Cenque Jones, Dorian Sutton, Luis Trejo-Acevedo, Claire Mitchell, Camden Matthews, and Jacquez Johnson; back row, Derek Carrilo, Sebastian Bualito, Yahir Morales-Guzman, Matthew Perkins, Billy Merrill, and Christopher Ellison. Not pictured is Fernando Nunez-Mancilla.

Thirteen high school students from area high schools recently completed the first SEED (Southeastern Education & Economic) Program at Lenoir Community College, a seven-week summer advanced manufacturing academy. 

SEED is an initiative of the North Carolina Business Committee for Education (NCBCE) and is sponsored by Smithfield Foods. The program is open to high school students and recent graduates. This first program was held at Lenoir Community College and Wayne Community College.

The academy is a comprehensive approach to learning, allowing students the unique opportunity to explore the world of industrial systems through a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on experience, all while getting paid.

Students took six college credits that will transfer to an adult apprenticeship they choose under the Industrial Systems Technology Program at LCC, according to LCC Dean of Business and Industry Dr. Dusk Stroud. “Classes were centered on Industrial Systems Technology, Mechatronics and Engineering. Students also visited local businesses and industries as part of their learning experience.”

SEED aims to create multiple youth apprenticeship pathways to a variety of careers. These programs allow students to learn and earn, by getting industry recognized credentials at a community college degree at no cost, while completing paid on-the-job training.

"Apprenticeship programs are critical to developing the next-generation of talent through hands-on training," said Clarence Scott, Talent Development Manager for Smithfield Foods. "Since the inception of the SEED initiative, 35 North Carolina students have completed the program and been able to meaningfully advance their careers with the help of Wayne Community College and Lenoir Community College."

“We are proud of these students, and we have enjoyed working with them through this innovative program,” said LCC Senior Vice President of Student Services and Workforce Development Dr. John Paul Black. “For many these students, they may see this as  a summer experience, but for many of us, we see it as the future and our hope”

Those participating at LCC are Derek Carrilo, Greene Central High; Luis Trejo-Acevedo, Greene Central High; Christopher Ellison, South Central High; Sebastian Gualito, Greene Central High; Jacquez Johnson, Greene Early College; Ceneque Jones, Kinston High; Camden Matthews, Clinton High; Billy Merrill. Bethel Christian Academy; Claire Mitchell, North Lenoir High; Yahir Morales-Guzman, Greene Central High; Fernando Nunez-Mancilla, Greene Early College; Matthew Perkins, South Central High; and Dorian Sutton, Kinston High.